Assisted living housing project in Louth shortlisted for national award

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A Dundalk assisted living social housing project has made the shortlist for the national Community Housing Awards.

Coulter Close, located on the Armagh Road in Dundalk, is among 31 nominations from around Ireland for the competition run by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH). The programme is designed to reward innovation and sustainability in public housing in urban and rural areas across the country.

An assisted and independent living scheme developed by Tuath Housing in partnership with Louth County Council, Inclusion Louth, the HSE, and St. John of God’s Community Services, Coulter Close features seven single-storey homes, including one four-bedroom assisted living unit and six two-bedroom independent living units, with one fully accessible unit.

Designed in close consultation with occupational therapists and Inclusion Louth, the Dundalk homes prioritise accessibility, independence and community integration. All units feature level access, and private gardens or direct links to shared landscaped areas, supporting passive surveillance and communal interaction. The scheme is strongly oriented toward outdoor shared space that encourages neighbourly connection and inclusivity.

Having been shortlisted, Coulter Close will also automatically be up for a Public Choice Award.

The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) is the national representative federation for approved housing bodies (AHBs) in Ireland. CEO Donal McManus explains why the Public Choice award is a valuable part of the programme: “We are lucky to work with amazing people who create homes around Ireland every day and make a lasting positive impact. The Public Choice award is an opportunity for these communities to get behind local teams and show their pride in their neighbourhoods.”

He added: “The ICSH works hard to support our members in approved housing bodies around the country and their contribution is more vital than ever as they build lasting relationships with local authorities, the Land Development Agency and above all, people who need homes. Our biennial awards offer an opportunity to have their achievements recognised by the industry and the public and we’re really looking forward to the ceremony”.

Approved housing bodies, local authorities and the Land Development Agency have been tasked with increasing delivery of secure and affordable social and cost rental homes in response to a pressing need for housing across the state.

Members of the public can vote for their chosen Public Choice award nominee on the webpage ‘Community Housing – Public Choice Award 2025 - Irish Council for Social Housing.’

Voting will close on 13th October at 23.59pm.

The winner will be announced as part of the overall awards ceremony, at the ICSH National Housing Conference which will be held at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan on Wednesday, October 15 2025.